(Ambaya captures the G1 American Oaks at Santa Anita on Sunday / Benoit Photo & Courtesy of Santa Anita)

From the Santa Anita Media Team:

GRADE I, $300,000 AMERICAN OAKS QUOTES

JOCKEY QUOTES

KAZUSHI KIMURA, AMBAYA, WINNER: “She always steps through from the gate, but today was actually smooth right out the gate, so it was quite easy to get a nice position. I didn’t need to fight with her or send her too much. I was tracking Flavien (aboard stablemate Wil Then), and when he decided to move to the outside, I got the extra room for myself.”

TRAINER QUOTES

JONATHAN THOMAS, AMBAYA, WINNER: “I’m feeling great. This the first Grade I for the Strawbridge’s, they were here and they have been such an integral part of our barn. So, to pull that off for them today it was so meaningful.

“He is a horse lover and we are just so appreciative of the horses we get to train. It is a real privilege to be a trainer and when you have horses like this it is extra special.

“I may have grilled (Kazushi Kimura). I made him watch replays then I talked to him for five minutes, shook him and said’ ‘The filly is training fantastic, she can win if you get a good trip.’ And he rode her beautiful. He really gave her a great ride.”

NOTES: The winning owner/breeder is George Strawbridge’s Augustin Stables.